Author: johntownley
Date: 2016-05-23 04:51
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Well, here they are. It appears to be identical to one “modernicus” had and loved but apparently then got rid of. I just saw the photo of it in the case on auction and was charmed...and mystified, since no real info, only suggestions (like it might have been an Alexandre Selmer). A relatively novice metal-clarinet fan, I’ve already got a 1928 Silver King (fantastic) and same pro sterling-keyed Holton (huge sound, from design and serial # maybe that brief line was Silva-Bet stencils)), and Oxford (lightweight and nickel, supposedly Boosey and Hawkes, surprisingly warm and mellow but not very fluid action).
Now this one is even more mystifying. The bell is very lightweight, smooth silver inside but outside matte silver plate like the body, but the rest is much more heavily-built. Further, the barrel is double-walled like a Silver King’s and it’s all very solid and well-made. And sounds it, not quite as big or accurate as the King or Holton, but close. Had to put in some new cork bits and replace one pad, the rest need to be but work OK, look like it was put away early and just left, could be all original from the late ‘20s, which is the feel all around (a bit like mid-line Bettoney’s). Came with Henri Selmer HS** “Made in France” stamped mouthpiece, ancient reeds in the case were mix of Diamond Cut 1 ½ and Rico 2 ½.
No further clues, except no serial number at all, only the Alexandre name with Paris underneath on the bell. So far, just love it, not quite the totality of the King or Holton, but lots truer and louder, more assertive than the Oxford. Anyone have a clue about this? There are wooden ones with the same typeface and label on the bell, and ones that apparently have serial numbers (haven’t seen pix). Looks just like the one Modernicus posted elsewhere on this forum, but his is smooth-finish all over, not matte.
Any thoughts, references, truly welcome...
John Townley, Sea Cliff, NY
Post Edited (2016-05-23 04:54)
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